AR15.Com Archives
 A few questions
Tango_6  [Member]
3/8/2012 10:17:02 PM
Ok, I dont own any camo gear, a pc a 1st line, 2nd or a 3rd. I have no idea where to start. What is the PC for? I understand what it does, and the purpose but when and where do you wear it? The only stuff I own are 5.11 taclite pants some danners 2 different styles, and a MS3 as a sling. I need help. and after reading about all the new camo patterns out there I feel lost. Someone suggested this one.
This
systemofadown  [Team Member]
3/8/2012 11:07:20 PM
Banshee is a great start, next plates (TAP Gamma + is the best deal running) A couple mag pouches as you so choose depending on your primary & secondary. from there you will start to get a feel for what else you deem important to have quick access to - but don't fall into the trap of buying the newest thing out just because everyone else say's its the cats meow....
Tango_6  [Member]
3/8/2012 11:19:15 PM
I dont jump on the trend bus. Thats why I am so far behind, I try to get the best for me not what is the best out there.Also I know nothing about plats or armor or soft armor.
systemofadown  [Team Member]
3/8/2012 11:33:29 PM
Good deal your on the right track... stick around here & you will learn more than you ever wanted to know about kit.. The banshee is relatively new - I would suggest it or an Eagle PC to get you started in quality, no nonsense kit at a decent price. Armor wise look into the TAP Gamma + SAPI's great plates that require no soft armor to achieve a high threat level (III) that saves weight, money, & mobility......
INgunner54  [Member]
3/9/2012 7:24:13 AM
You are definitely in the right place. I agree it is a bit overwhelming at first. Decide what your needs are first, like do you want to have, or need armor, how much you need to carry, and what you will be using the gear for. Once you get all that figured out just ask around on here. There is a ton of knowledge in this forum, and someone here can surely steer you in the right place. The good thing about gear is that what doesn't work for you may be perfect for someone else. The EE is awesome for finding good deals on solid gear, and also getting rid of the extra stuff you acquire and don't end up liking. The banshee is a good plate carrier. I have one, and in my opinion it's awesome for the money. I might suggest starting with a chest rig first though, and getting used to shooting with that first. Shooting and moving with a plate carrier is a new experience to say the least, it takes a little time to get used to.
Tango_6  [Member]
3/9/2012 10:12:00 AM
thanks, I am planning on starting the pileup of gear soon. I figured a PC and some AR mag pouches and some pistol mags. I did see a picture of a pistol mounted in the center of the PC and I really like that. I shut down my laptop and the picture was gone. I also read that Banshee was less than 100 bucks at one time. I think I will wait and when the prices get as low as they can go I will jump on a Ranger green one.
Also after searching SKD I am in love with this but its way too expensive for a first plate carrier.
kudzu630  [Team Member]
3/9/2012 11:37:38 AM
You can mount a nylon holster to a chest rig so long as you have a panel that can accept it. It's a functional set up but one you need to practice with.

One thing about getting gear is buy your first set and then go to the range and try it out. Try it out at the house doing mag changes and a few cardio routines that require manipulation of the shoulders, arms, torso, and neck.

I bought a Banshee because it fit me and has real estate when I want it. Mine is not set up as a light weight slim rig but a full on SHTF kit for me riding around in deployed locations. I also have chest rigs for snatch and grab stuff with nothing but ammo and a pouch. Keep in mind PCs for most civilians are for expecting contact and being shot at, set up accordingly to address the likely threat in which you see yourself using it here at home.
Tango_6  [Member]
3/9/2012 2:22:29 PM
I really like the Kryptek pattern, I think its highlander and Nomad.
kudzu630  [Team Member]
3/9/2012 5:12:18 PM
Did you mean to post this in that thread? Tip 102: never trust your camo/cover confit based on what the Army/military does. We chose the UCP/ACU pattern over MARPAT and Multicam.

But look at your area for colors, RG, tan, dry earth do wonders
Tango_6  [Member]
3/9/2012 5:35:57 PM
I am about 40 miles NW of chicago with alot of forests around and open fields. I like coyote.
raf  [Site Staff]
3/9/2012 6:06:56 PM
Tango, the first thing I would suggest is to FIRST stop and logically/dispassionately/honestly think through what you are most likely going to need your gear to be used for. Prioritize, if need be, but remember that neither you nor your gear will be likely to accomplish every single possible goal. The Mission drives the Gear, not the other way around.

Once you have clearly defined your goals, what you will require in the way of tools (gear) will become apparent to you pretty quickly.

Prowl the EE here, and the Sale/Clearance portions of any and all pertinent web sites, and try to pick up stuff on the cheap that other users think well of, and which meets your needs. Take your time. It is very easy to spend a LOT of money on this stuff. Most buyers fail to define their needs properly, and find themselves upgrading/changing their gear set-up many times before they are more-or-less done. Do your homework FIRST, and you will be many $$$ ahead, not to mention less hassle.
TCBA_Joe  [Team Member]
3/9/2012 6:45:23 PM
Originally Posted By raf:
Tango, the first thing I would suggest is to FIRST stop and logically/dispassionately/honestly think through what you are most likely going to need your gear to be used for. Prioritize, if need be, but remember that neither you nor your gear will be likely to accomplish every single possible goal. The Mission drives the Gear, not the other way around.

Once you have clearly defined your goals, what you will require in the way of tools (gear) will become apparent to you pretty quickly.

Prowl the EE here, and the Sale/Clearance portions of any and all pertinent web sites, and try to pick up stuff on the cheap that other users think well of, and which meets your needs. Take your time. It is very easy to spend a LOT of money on this stuff. Most buyers fail to define their needs properly, and find themselves upgrading/changing their gear set-up many times before they are more-or-less done. Do your homework FIRST, and you will be many $$$ ahead, not to mention less hassle.

Yup. A lot of us have spent a ton of cash on expensive cap that doesn't work how we envisioned it. You then take a massive hit trying to resell it when you realize you're never going to use it.

While your gear load will constantly evolve, you don't need to buy stuff you absolutely don't need or doesn't work.
Tango_6  [Member]
3/9/2012 7:13:46 PM
Thanks for the advice, I plan on getting a PC, 3 m4 pouches 2-3 mag pouches, combined if possible, an admin pouch and a medic pouch or maybe a small bag like the ares one that can hold some gear so I dont have it on the PC, I could put the medical supplies in the backpack and extra mags. I know I want to put my P226 or P30 in the center of my chest though. I am a minimalist I dont like things that dont work for me so I dont buy until I need it. thats why I dont have anything.
Tango_6  [Member]
3/9/2012 9:36:00 PM
Also I was checking the wrong EE thread I will now search the mil spec gear.
Currahee  [Team Member]
3/9/2012 9:48:01 PM
Are you planning to get the plates to go with the carrier?

If not I would suggest a chest rig.
Tango_6  [Member]
3/9/2012 10:13:07 PM
O plan on getting one of each. so I will have the same set up one a PC one a chest rig.
raf  [Site Staff]
3/10/2012 2:18:12 PM

Originally Posted By Tango_6:
Thanks for the advice, I plan on getting a PC, 3 m4 pouches 2-3 mag pouches, combined if possible, an admin pouch and a medic pouch or maybe a small bag like the ares one that can hold some gear so I dont have it on the PC, I could put the medical supplies in the backpack and extra mags. I know I want to put my P226 or P30 in the center of my chest though. I am a minimalist I dont like things that dont work for me so I dont buy until I need it. thats why I dont have anything.

Before you do this, think things through. How will your pistol hold up if you have to crawl through mud, sand, and other junk? How will having your pistol on the center of your chest affect your prone shooting position? Will you be able to quickly and easily access your pistol while prone? The same could be asked about anything carried on the very front of your body.

You make no mention of carrying water on your body; What happens if you and your pack are seperated and all your water is in your pack? How many mags do you plan on carrying? Remember that they are one weight at the start of the day, but mysteriously gain weight as the day goes on.

What activities do you intend to perform while wearing your gear? Be explicit, and prioritize.

See what I mean?

Tango_6  [Member]
3/12/2012 6:12:49 PM
Originally Posted By raf:

Originally Posted By Tango_6:
Thanks for the advice, I plan on getting a PC, 3 m4 pouches 2-3 mag pouches, combined if possible, an admin pouch and a medic pouch or maybe a small bag like the ares one that can hold some gear so I dont have it on the PC, I could put the medical supplies in the backpack and extra mags. I know I want to put my P226 or P30 in the center of my chest though. I am a minimalist I dont like things that dont work for me so I dont buy until I need it. thats why I dont have anything.

Before you do this, think things through. How will your pistol hold up if you have to crawl through mud, sand, and other junk? How will having your pistol on the center of your chest affect your prone shooting position? Will you be able to quickly and easily access your pistol while prone? The same could be asked about anything carried on the very front of your body.

You make no mention of carrying water on your body; What happens if you and your pack are seperated and all your water is in your pack? How many mags do you plan on carrying? Remember that they are one weight at the start of the day, but mysteriously gain weight as the day goes on.

What activities do you intend to perform while wearing your gear? Be explicit, and prioritize.

See what I mean?



Well I have no real need for one so I guess it will be for SHTF and recon. I have a water bladder, as for mags I was thinking 2-3 pistol mags and 4-6 rifle mags.
Currahee  [Team Member]
3/12/2012 6:45:37 PM
Originally Posted By Tango_6:

Well I have no real need for one so I guess it will be for SHTF and recon. I have a water bladder, as for mags I was thinking 2-3 pistol mags and 4-6 rifle mags.


I am (Raf too I think) are big believers in the idea that you should not only have a rifle, but the stuff to support it in the field. I would suggest that you do some more reading and think about your requirements.

4-6 mags is a good amount for a civilian, I would suggest you keep your pistol carrying similar to how you would CCW (makes cross training easier) plus the way you are suggesting a pistol on your plate carrier would gwt you thrown off a lot of ranges.

I hate to pimp my own stuff, but please read this and look at the links below it... LOTS of gear really being used by civilians

raf  [Site Staff]
3/12/2012 7:46:47 PM

Originally Posted By Currahee:
Originally Posted By Tango_6:

Well I have no real need for one so I guess it will be for SHTF and recon. I have a water bladder, as for mags I was thinking 2-3 pistol mags and 4-6 rifle mags.


I am (Raf too I think) are big believers in the idea that you should not only have a rifle, but the stuff to support it in the field. I would suggest that you do some more reading and think about your requirements.

4-6 mags is a good amount for a civilian, I would suggest you keep your pistol carrying similar to how you would CCW (makes cross training easier) plus the way you are suggesting a pistol on your plate carrier would gwt you thrown off a lot of ranges.

I hate to pimp my own stuff, but please read this and look at the links below it... LOTS of gear realling being used by civilians


Since you're not selling anything, and since you have the good manners not to promote it excessively, an occasional mention, where warranted, is OK by me.
chwi548  [Member]
3/13/2012 11:18:05 AM
OP, don't do something like mount the handgun to the chest unless you know the reason for doing it. Also, I haven't seen anything about what your needs are posted. I'm not seeing why you need a PC over just a regular belt to hold your mags and holster plus a minimal chest rig.

If you're going to get a PC after all, I think I would be more focused on the plates to put in it first than the pouches, as that's what its for. It's not for looks.